Steeldogs Alum Bobby Keyes Earns AFL Honors

Birmingham, Ala. - Former Alabama Steeldogs defensive back Bobby Keyes was honored by the Arena Football League today as one of the AFL's top rookies for the 2007 season.

Keyes was named to the AFL 2007 All-Rookie team as a member of the Dallas Desperados, despite missing nearly half the regular season after being placed on injured reserve. He finished the year with 39.5 total tackles and six interceptions, including one pick returned for a touchdown.

"I'm extremely happy for what Bobby has accomplished with the Desperados this year," Steeldogs Head Coach Ron Selesky said. "He has the potential to be a marquee defensive player in the AFL and beyond."

A standout at UAB, Keyes led the Steeldogs defensively in 2006, finishing his rookie year in the af2 with 66 total tackles, eight interceptions and 17 passes defended. He was named First Team All-af2 at the end of the season.

He was cleared to play earlier this month for the Desperados as they prepare for an AFL playoff run. Dallas secured home-field advantage throughout the National Conference playoffs Monday night in Denver, defeating the Colorado Crush, 77-58, to finish with the best single-season record in AFL history.